Stuart R. Ross, the man who brought the Smurfs to America, would seem to be starring in his own made-for-TV production, but it’s hardly a cartoon.
On Friday, Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau accused Ross, 71, and his lawyer of trying to extort up to $11 million from his son-in-law, David S. Blitzer.
Blitzer, 38, a London-based senior managing director with Blackstone LP, the private equity giant, is married to Ross’ daughter, Allison Blitzer.
According to the district attorney’s office, Allison Blitzer and her father have been estranged for approximately six years and he has never met her children.
The arrest marks a fall from grace for Ross, a lawyer and entrepreneur who reportedly spotted the little blue cartoon Smurfs in Belgium while vacationing in 1976.
He purchased the North American distribution rights and then teamed with Wallace Berrie & Co. to distribute Smurfs merchandise.
NBC then created a television cartoon show based on the characters.
According to Morgenthau’s office, Ross began making monetary demands on Blitzer in December 2007 when he asked for money to start a business venture.
Blitzer sent him $15,000 in January. He sent another $50,000 in May, saying that would be the last money he would give.
In June, Ross demanded another $50,000 to $100,000. In one message, he vowed to “commit open warfare” if Blitzer didn’t send money.
He also threatened to go to the media with accusations that he said would “damage Blitzer’s reputation, ruin his career and even lead to his arrest.”
By July, Ross allegedly got help in his efforts from Stuart Jackson, 79, a friend and Manhattan lawyer. Jackson has also been charged with attempted grand larceny in the case.
At one point, Ross berated Blitzer for not cooperating with Jackson.
“David, this is your worst nightmare. Your father-in-law Stuart Ross,” Ross said in a phone call, according to the criminal complaint.
“You have been a discourteous prick to Stuart Jackson. I am going to continue to harass you. I am going to call you every day - four or five times a day - I am going to keep calling - I will continue to harass you.”
On Aug. 5, Ross allegedly told Blitzer that for $5.5 million he would give up any right he had to visit his daughter or grandchildren. And he said he wouldn’t communicate with Blitzer or anyone at Blackstone.
On Aug. 6, in a letter to Roger L. Stavis, Blitzer’s attorney, Jackson allegedly said he wanted twice as much, $11 million.
Stavis contacted the district attorney’s office before getting back to Jackson. On Aug. 21, Jackson and Ross met with Blitzer and Stavis. At that meeting, Blitzer agreed to pay $400,000 to Ross. Blitzer then gave Ross a $50,000 check.
The next day, police arrested Ross and Jackson, who face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
On Aug. 22, Blitzer also filed a civil suit against Ross.
According to Bloomberg.com, the suit states that Ross lost the licensing rights to the Smurfs and then had other setbacks because of “profligate spending, bad business decisions and a drinking problem.”
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